Tastings & Tours

In addition to world-class art, one of the best experiences in the Short North Arts District is its cuisine.

Whatever the group size, sign up for a walking food tour, tasting at a distillery or meadery, or art-focused tour to sample some of the best provisions or see the artistic gems the District has to offer.

Brothers Drake Meadery

Visit Brothers Drake Meadery in the Short North Arts District to learn the basics about mead and sample work in progress. This experience includes a tour of the Brothers Drake facility, history of the mead-making process, and a mead tasting.

Middle West Spirits

Taste signature vodkas, gins, and whiskeys made in one of the country’s most state-of-the-art craft distilleries.

Location: 1230 Courtland Ave
Pricing: $10.00 per person
Approximate Length: 60 minutes
Availability: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, or by appointment. Minimum 1; Maximum 40
Reservations: This tour is given by Middle West Spirits. Click here for details about the tour and to reserve your space.

Columbus Food Adventures

Take a leisurely stroll through Columbus’s hip Short North Arts District and savor its culinary delights. It includes tastings at six to seven stops, which is plenty of food for a complete lunch, and an experienced guide with a wealth of local culinary knowledge. During the tour, participants will be walking approximately 1.5 miles, and along the route walkers will also learn about the colorful history of the Short North Arts District neighborhood.

Location: 59 Spruce St
Pricing: $58.00 per person
Approximate Length: 3 hours
Availability: Public tours are available every Saturday year-round at 11:00am, and Fridays from May to October at 11:00am. Private tours are scheduled by appointment, with a minimum eight people. Custom tours, progressive dinners, and Short North scavenger hunts are scheduled by appointment.
Reservations: This tour is given by Columbus Food Adventures. Click here for details about the tour and to reserve your space.

Columbus Brew Adventures

The microbrew scene is exploding in Columbus! Learn more about how beer is made, taste the different styles produced and served at each destination, and discover more about the history of each brewery. You’ll hear the stories behind each business and have a chance to meet a wide range of owners, brewers, and craft beer experts. This tour is designed to be a fun, educational, and delicious introduction to Columbus’ growing local beer scene and typically includes stops at Columbus Brewing Company Restaurant, Seventh Son Brewing Company, North High Brewing, and Barley’s Brewing Company (may sometimes stop at Wolf’s Ridge Brewing or Zauber Brewing).

Location: Brewery and Short North Arts Districts
Pricing: $55.00 per person
Approximate Length: 3 hours
Availability: Saturdays
Reservations: This tour is given by Columbus Brew Adventures. Click here for details about the tour and to reserve your space.

Pedal Wagon

The Pedal Wagon is a 15-person, pedal-powered, rolling celebration. Operating seven days a week, you can reserve the entire Pedal Wagon for a private cruise or just part of it on a public cruise. Choose from a variety of two-hour cruises, on which you will share a memorable experience with friends, family, co-workers, or complete strangers while enjoying Columbus’ incredible restaurants, bars, landmarks, and “best-kept secret” local establishments. Perfect for birthdays, reunions, corporate outings, progressive dinners, bachelorette & bachelor parties, OSU & Blue Jackets pre-games, or just because!

Gallery Hop Tour

Discover the rich history of the “art and soul” of Columbus during a 90-minute walking tour of the District. Learn about the District’s growth from neglected stretch of High Street to pioneer of urban revitalization, its public art initiatives, and the history of its iconic arches. Gallery stops will include Lindsay Gallery, Marcia Evans Gallery, Sherrie Gallerie, Brandt-Roberts Galleries (will include an artist meet-and-greet), Hammond Harkins Galleries, and the world-famous Pizzuti Collection. Attendees will receive a limited-edition Short North Gallery Hop 30th Anniversary tee and will collect Short North swag from stops.

Location: Tour begins at Lindsay Gallery, 986 N High St
Pricing: $70.00 per person
Approximate Length: 90 minutes
Availability: First Saturday of each month during Gallery Hop, 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Reservations: This tour is given by the Short North Alliance. Email info@shortnorth.org to request a tour. Tours must be requested at least two weeks in advance.

Short North Arts District Private Group Tour

Dazzle visitors to the Short North Arts District during a tour of the “art and soul” of Columbus. Learn about the District’s growth from neglected stretch of High Street to pioneer of urban revitalization, its public art initiatives, and the history of its iconic arches.

Location: Tour begins at Poplar Park
Pricing: $35.00 per person
Approximate Length: 1-2 hours
Availability: By appointment only. Minimum 5; Maximum 20. For groups larger than 20, an additional $10.00 fee is applied for the entire group (not per person).
Reservations: This tour is given by the Short North Alliance. Email info@shortnorth.org to request a tour. Tours must be requested at least one month in advance.

Want a little more? Choose from the extended menu of tour experiences for an additional $30.00 – $50.00 per person, including:

The Art Tour: A walking tour of public art with stops at several galleries and a verbal history of art in the District. This tour ends at a restaurant for food and a drink.

The History Tour: Awalking tour of public art with stops at several historical businesses including pm gallery, Sherrie Gallery (formerly Spangler Cummings), and Quinci Emporium (Nancy Haitz/Wood Companies), plus a verbal history of the District. This tour will end at Short North Tavern for food and a drink.

The Shop Tour: A walking tour with stops at Tigertree, Happy Go Lucky, and more, including swag and discounts, that ends at a restaurant for food and a drink. Limited Edition Short North Arts District HOMAGE Throwback Tee included.

The Ultimate Tour: A walking tour with stops at galleries, shops, and Marcella’s Ristorante, Pizzeria & Wine Bar for pizzas and wine. Includes a verbal history of the District, public art, and a Limited Edition Short North Arts District HOMAGE Throwback Tee.

Known as the art and soul of Columbus, the culturally rich Short North Arts District is a pioneer in the urban revitalization of Central Ohio. Visitors are invited to explore our vibrant neighborhood known for its wide variety of amazing art, dining, nightlife, fashion, home décor, and unique gifts.